THE CRIMSON ARMADA
Conviction
[Artery Recordings/Razor & Tie]
Verdict: 9/10

Columbus, OH’s THE CRIMSON ARMADA spent a good deal of time writing the songs that make up Conviction. It wasn’t due to laziness or even lack of inspiration. The band wanted to write and record a sophmore album worthy of the band and their fans. Instead of rushing into it and taking 2 to 3 months to rush through ideas, they spent close to a year coming up with ideas and getting comfortable with them, adding new parts here and there. The result is a tough solid record that encompasses themes of family, passion, positive reinforcement and yes. Religion. One considerably noticeable change from 2009′s ‘Guardians’ to this record is the addition of clean vocals. Most times when an extreme band adds something like this, it takes away from the intensity and aggression the band usually have. In TCA’s case, it actually heightens the listening experience. Songs like ‘Forgive Me’ and the title track blast forth with guitarists Brandon McCaster’s soothing and at times beautiful clean singing. Its on songs like ‘Juggernaut’ that they flex and demonstrate their heavier more hardcore style approach to song writing. Which works. The most telling tracks are ‘Questioning God’ and ‘Worthy’, which represent the strongest religious themes. Don’t be deterred as they aren’t overbearing but passionate and even uplifting. Overall, ‘Conviction’ is a beast of a record. It moves the listener, physically and passionately. THE CRIMSON ARMADA have deftly made it to their sophmore record, and proudly stand strong. Yet another Artery Recordings score.

-by Jon Hole